Hessian has a Lick Granuloma. This is a small sore caused by licking an area constantly. Seems that they start out small and get bigger as time and the licking go on.
The licking is caused out of frustration and drive.
When locked in a kennel day after day, separated from its owner or new things stressing the dog a high prey drive dog has been known to pick a spot and lick away.
The licking is soothing and/or sends endorphins to the brain much like satiating on a bone or toy.
If not treated the dog will lick and lick until the sore is red and infected. There is not much info on an actual cure, just antibiotics and and taking the mind of the area. Even when covering or bandaging the area it has been known for the dog to start licking on another area. The most common area is the wrist area or carpral area.
I have Hessian on Antibiotics now and have given him bones to take his mind off it. But just keep this in mind if you begin to see a pattern in your dogs licking behavior. Thought this might be interesting and help someone out if there dogs develop sores like these.
It took 160 dollars for me to find out.
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Chazz: you might want to check this out. I hadn't heard of one till I met a GSP at a hunt test that was getting over its own obsessive foot-chewing. It was just getting past having chewed the pads off its front feet. The owner had tried all kinds of stuff -- but was ecstatic about the D.A.P. Collar (dog appeasement pheromone) and how much calmer the dog was.
ReplyDeleteHope you're out having fun.
Andrew
Sounds like you need to get him out hunting more often and/or excercised.
ReplyDeleteI am lucky enough to have 18 acres to run the dog around a few times a day to burn off some steam. And I am lucky enough to be able to afford to take him to the hunt club when I'm not hunting elsewhere.
I find the disposition of the dog to be real good in the house or hanging with me. He definitely doesn't like to be without his "companion" (me or my family).
I do periodically kennel him for a few days and use the electric bark trainer so that he knows and understands he needs to be in the kennel too.
I can see this type of dog needing YOU or HUNTING to keep from going nuts. After all they live to hunt.
Not everyone has the time/space all the time. So not a criticizm... Just random thoughts...
I totally agree. Some form of exercise would definitely help. He already gets alot but it is a demanding breed. i will post pics but it is much better now. thanks for the comment
ReplyDeleteKind of looks like a foxtail is inside that "lick granuloma"
ReplyDeleteNo, Nothing was inside it. Could have been originally started that way though.
ReplyDelete